As our school year begins, many of you may have questions regarding what will happen day-to-day in our classroom. I have outlined the basic information below, in an attempt to make everything a little clearer for you. Please remember that I have an “open door” policy. You are always welcome in the classroom, whether you are scheduled in as a helper or if you have a few minutes away from work. However, to enable the class and me to get to know each other and establish Grade 2/3 routines I would appreciate it if you could please refrain from visiting until mid October. By then, the routines will be in place and the children will be less easily distracted. Of course, before and after class you are more than welcome to come in and check things out! Always feel free to call or visit me in the mornings (between 7:30 and 8:20) or after class (with appointment) if you have any questions about what is happening in our class. Children can sometimes misunderstand information or expectations and a quick call may clear these up. Pencil BoxAll Grade 2/3 students will need a pencil box to keep all of their pencils, felts, erasers, etc. together inside their desks.

School SuppliesI strongly encourage parents to buy school supplies through the school. The school district buys supplies in bulk and is able to obtain a better price for supplies. Also, these supplies are available throughout the year (I replace lost/broken items as needed).

Snacks and LunchPlease send a spoon to accompany those snacks/lunches requiring one. Students do NOT have access to a microwave nor a refrigerator at the school. Please note that our school is peanut sensitive. Students will be able to eat when they are "hungry" so please ensure your child has healthy snacks that will not make a mess.

Recess and LunchAt Arthur Stevenson elementary, students are expected to go outside for recess and lunch, regardless of weather conditions (except for the coldest days in winter). Please ensure that your child has appropriate outdoor footwear and outerwear for the day’s forecasted weather.

Indoor ShoesDaily Physical Activity is an important part of the Grade 2/3 program. Each student must have a pair of non-marking running shoes, which they are able to fasten independently (these will be your student’s indoor shoes). These shoes will stay at school throughout the year.

Skirts and DressesWhen your daughter is getting dressed in the morning please consider the types of activities that we do daily in Grade 2/3. As you know, we will be going outside to play in the playground during recess and lunch. On P.E. days (Tuesdays & Thursdays) please make sure your child is dressed appropriately. Please consider putting a pair of shorts or tights under dresses and skirts to help your daughter feel more comfortable in these situations. Thank you.

BirthdaysIn class we have a low-key birthday “treatment”. We sing “Happy Birthday” and help make the birthday child feel special. If parents wish to send a treat for the class, please check with me first because we do have allergies.

***I ask that birthday invitations NOT be distributed at school during school hours. Those children who are left out feel badly and don’t understand number limits, etc. If you give the invitations to me in the morning, I can discreetly hand them out sometime during the day.

Special HelperIn our class we have a daily helper to do small classroom tasks and to be leader in line, etc. All children will get equal turns at this.

Show and TellThere is a posted “Show and Tell” schedule. Students are encouraged to bring one “mystery” item to share. Classmates will attempt to guess what the hidden item is by asking questions. Show and Tell items are encouraged to be “made” things, “science” things, “found” things or things related to the theme being studied at the time (TOYS ARE NOT ALLOWED).

ToysToys are not welcome at school because they can be lost, broken and/or stolen (this includes Pokemon cards).

Special EventsDuring the year, many special days and events will occur. Information will come home as each event is planned. Some field trips will also be planned.

Permission Slips and Time-Sensitive MailOccasionally, parents will receive permission slips and other important information that requires immediate attention. Please return these forms as soon as possible. Thank you.

School Times

8:20 am First bell—doors open

8:30 am Class Starts (students must be in class and ready to work)

9:55-10:10 am Recess (students will eat snacks before/after recess)

11:50 Lunch (students play first and eat second)

12:30-Eating Bell (students inside to eat)class begins for the afternoon

12:45 p.m.- Warning bell rings

12:50 p.m. Afternoon instructions begins

2:30 p.m.- Dismissal (student pick up in the hallway or at the office if your late).

As always you can contact me through email: adhaliwal@sd73.bc.ca or phone the school to make an appointment.Let's have a great week!